Add Another UDFA Gang: Anthony Merritt

this is a discussion within the Saints Community Forum; Anthony Merritt - 5110,204,4.48, North Alabama WR/CB/KR
Merritt signs deal with Saints
Staff reports
Last Updated:May 07. 2007 11:00PM
Published: May 08. 2007 3:30AM
Former North Alabama wide receiver/kick returner Anthony Merritt has signed a free agent contract with the ...

Former North Alabama wide receiver/kick returner Anthony Merritt has signed a free agent contract with the New Orleans Saints.

Merritt, of Columbus, Ga., was named first-team All-America by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) as a senior.

In his senior season he caught 48 passes for 541 yards and four touchdowns for the Lions. He also rushed for 181 yards and a touchdown and also threw three touchdown passes as UNA went 11-1 and advanced to the quarterfinals of the NCAA Division II playoffs.

As a junior, Merritt had 81 receptions for 942 yards and eight touchdowns, while rushing for 192 yards and three scores. He also had three returns for touchdowns during the 2005 season.

"We were hoping Anthony might get drafted, but when he didn't there were several teams interested in him," UNA coach Mark Hudspeth said. "He is excited about signing with the Saints and they seem to be a good fit for him."

Merritt had a long list of accomplishments during his four-year tenure at UNA. His career includes 19 school records, seven Gulf South Conference records and four NCAA Division II records at the single-game, single-season and career levels.

"Tampa Bay and Tennessee were among the other teams that were interested in Anthony," Hudspeth said. "All of those teams like him as a receiver, but they want him foremost as a return man. He stills returning kicks should give him a chance to make it."

BIOGRAPHY: Awarded All-Conference and All-American honors the past two seasons. Senior pass-catching numbers included 51/588/4 when he also averaged 12.5 yards on 30 punt returns. Junior pass-catching numbers included 81/942/8 with a 10.7-yard average on 51 punt returns.

POSITIVES: Quick-footed, reliable pass catcher who impacts the game as a return specialist. Fast off the snap, runs sharp routes and gets separation from opponents. Displays a sense of timing, adjusts to the errant throw and looks the pass into his hands.

NEGATIVES: Not a true burner or receiver who beats defenders down the field. Loses out in battles.

ANALYSIS: A solid football player, Merritt has definite possibilities as a fifth receiver in a West Coast offense. Return skills bring added value.